Glamorgan captain Sam Northeast to leave county and return home to Kent
Rhodri Evans
Glamorgan captain Sam Northeast will be leaving the county at the end of the 2025 season, with the batter set to return to his boyhood club, Kent.
The 35-year-old has enjoyed a successful four year spell at Glamorgan, making his mark in his first season, scoring 410 not out in a County Championship match against Leicestershire.
With that innings, Northeast became the first batsman to score 400 runs in a first-class innings since Brian Lara made 400 not out for the West Indies against England in April 2004.
Ahead of the 2024 season, Northeast was made Glamorgan captain for the County Championship team. Perhaps his most important innings that season was his 63* from 49 balls in the shortened One-Day Cup final against Somerset, delivering a second trophy in four years for the county.
“After four great years, I’ve decided to return to Kent to be closer to my family,” Northeast said in a statement.
“It was a tough decision. One I took a long time to make. We’ve just had another baby, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to give my all to Glamorgan next year. I’d constantly be back on the road, which wouldn’t be fair on my family, the Club and myself to a certain degree. I’m the type of player who wants to be able to give my all to the Club I’m with, and I wasn’t sure I’d be able to do that for Glamorgan with a young family.
“It’s a huge privilege and an honour to Captain a Club of Glamorgan’s stature. As such, I’m not looking too far into the future right now as we try and achieve promotion.
“My priority is not to take the focus away during a big month for my team. I want to make sure that we all perform to our best over the next four weeks and attack the last three games. We’re going to try and chase down Leicestershire, and for that to be possible we know that we have to finish strong. Hopefully we can achieve something spectacular.
“I’ll naturally reflect further on everything at the end of the season. But it goes without saying that I’ve absolutely loved my time here. It’s a family and a progressive Club that’s really moving forward.
“I found my passion for playing cricket again here. I’ve had four great years at Sophia Gardens and I’m very proud of what I’ve been able to achieve, both personally and with my teammates.
“I’ve loved being able to share big moments with the senior guys as we made big steps together. Over my time I’ve also seen new talent breaking through and can see what the future looks like for the Club. Richard Dawson is an excellent long-term appointment who’s been fantastic this year, too.
“I’m really going to miss coming in here every day as the camaraderie in this group has been exceptional. While it’ll be sad to leave some great people behind, I’d like to sit in the changing room at the end with the guys and hopefully celebrate with a few beers. After that I can probably think about the future and moving back home to Kent.
“To the fans I’d like to say thanks to everyone who made my time here so special. I didn’t realise how special a Club it was until I came here. Spending time in the city, I’ve always had a warm welcome. It’s going to be sad when I reach my last day in Cardiff, but we’ve still got a little time before then to hopefully finish on a high.”
Mark Wallace, Glamorgan’s Director of Cricket, added: “Sam has made a huge impact on the Club during his time here and has left a lasting impression on both the history and future of the Club.
“There is still an important month’s cricket ahead of us in the County Championship and we look forward to Sam leading us through that period before we say our goodbyes.
“We will be sorry to see Sam go, but he will leave at the end of the season with nothing but our best wishes for the future.”
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Colwill, Ramsey overlooked as Lawlor earns first Wales call-up for September internationals
Rhodri Evans
Cardiff City’s Rubin Colwill has been overlooked by Craig Bellamy for Wales international matches against Kazakhstan and Canada in September.
Captain Aaron Ramsey is the other notable absentee from the 25-man squad. The 34-year-old made his first appearance for new club Pumas UNAM on the weekend and the extent of travel – from Mexico to Wales and then a 3,000 mile round trip to Astana – is seen as prohibitive.
The Wales squad contains three uncapped players, all of which are under the age of 21: Ronan Kpakio and Dylan Lawlor of Cardiff City, and Kai Andrews of Coventry City.
All three have impressed at the start of the season, and with injuries to squad regulars Ethan Ampadu and Connor Roberts, alongside a friendly against Canada in Swansea, it presents the perfect opportunity for a first cap.
Elsewhere in the squad, all three new Wrexham signings are selected, marking the first time in more than a decade that the North Walian side have representation in the senior squad.
Wales travel to Kazakhstan for a match on Thursday 4th September, with the FAW stating that more than 1000 fans set to travel to Astana.
Cymru are currently in second in Group J with two wins, a draw, and a loss at the halfway stage in their World Cup qualifying campaign. In order to qualify directly to the World Cup, Wales will need to top their group.
In the event that they come second, they will enter a play-off involving 16 teams battling it out for four spots at the 2026 tournament.
Wales Squad:
Karl Darlow (Leeds United), Adam Davies (Sheffield United), Danny Ward (Wrexham), Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Jay Dasilva (Coventry City), Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Ronan Kpakio (Cardiff City), Dylan Lawlor (Cardiff City), Chris Mepham (Bournemouth), Joe Rodon (Leeds United), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest), Kai Andrews (Coventry City), David Brooks (Bournemouth), Charlie Crew (Doncaster Rovers – on loan from Leeds United), Jordan James (Stade Rennais), Josh Sheehan (Bolton Wanderers), Sorba Thomas (Stoke City), Harry Wilson (Fulham), Nathan Broadhead (Wrexham), Liam Cullen (Swansea City), Mark Harris (Oxford United), Lewis Koumas (Birmingham City – on loan from Liverpool), Daniel James (Leeds United), Brennan Johnson (Tottenham Hotspur), Kieffer Moore (Wrexham).
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Experience Elite Hospitality at the Cardiff Devils in the Blues Sky Lounge at Vindico Arena
Rhodri Evans
Step into a world of premium comfort, first-class service, and unmatched excitement with the Blues Sky Lounge at Vindico Arena – the ultimate destination for corporate hospitality during Cardiff Devils home games.
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Whether you’re entertaining valued clients, rewarding your team, or celebrating with friends, the Sky Lounge provides an atmosphere that’s as memorable as the action on the ice.
Prime Location & Exclusive Access
Situated within Vindico Arena, the Blues Sky Lounge offers a private, stylish space away from the hustle and bustle – but only steps away from the rink. Enjoy premium seating with fantastic sightlines to all the on-ice action, so you’ll never miss a game-changing goal, a lightning-fast breakout, or the roar of the Devils faithful.
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Hospitality is all about the details – and here, every detail is taken care of. Indulge in a freshly prepared, high-quality finger buffet before face-off, crafted to please every palate. Throughout the evening, enjoy a fully stocked private bar, offering a wide selection of beers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks.
The Perfect Setting for Business & Networking
The Blues Sky Lounge isn’t just about sport – it’s about creating opportunities. The relaxed, welcoming environment is ideal for building relationships, closing deals, or simply enjoying quality time with colleagues. The buzz of match night brings a natural energy that makes conversations flow and connections last.
A Memorable Cardiff Devils Experience
When the Devils hit the ice, you’ll feel the intensity, passion, and pride that make Cardiff one of the UK’s most exciting hockey cities. With VIP treatment from start to finish, your guests will associate your brand or business with unforgettable moments – and that’s a win both on and off the ice.
Book Your VIP Experience Today
Bookings in the Blues Sky Lounge are limited to one company per home game and it holds up to 40 guests and includes your food and a drinks tab to spend on the night. Secure your game now to guarantee your guests a night they’ll talk about long after the final buzzer.
Contact the Cardiff Devils hospitality team today and make your next corporate night out something truly special. Email info@cardiffdevils.com and one of our team will get back to you to arrange a call.
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Cardiff march on as Wrexham woes deepen: Welsh football weekend round-up
Rhodri Evans
It was another typically busy week for the Welsh clubs competing in the EFL, with contrasting results. Cardiff City proved yet again that they are right in the promotion race in League One, while their were draws for Swansea City and Wrexham, and a defeat for Wrexham.
Bluebirds maintain unbeaten start
Cardiff continued their excellent start to the League One season, beating fellow relegated side Luton Town 0-1 on Saturday.
Chris Willock’s 68th minute goal was enough to see Cardiff through to a four win in the first five games of the season. Brian Barry-Murphy’s side now sit top of the embryonic League One table.
“We’ve got a very young squad, and I think some of the younger boys have been terrific this season,” said Cardiff wing Willock.
“There’s a good team spirit in there at the moment, a winning feeling, and we haven’t had that for a while.
“I think there’s more to come from us.”
Wrexham winless after Wednesday comeback
In stark contrast to the unbeaten start to the season from Cardiff, Wrexham have found life in the Championship to be a difficult step up.
Phil Parkinson’s side have only picked up one point in their first three matches in the division, having to settle for a 2-2 draw at home to Sheffield Wednesday on the weekend.
Kieffer Moore’s first half brace looked to have set Wrexham up for a moral-boosting three points, but goals from Barry Bannan and Bailey Cadamarteri levelled the game.
“All of us, we’ve got to improve, but there’s lots of positives in terms of the attacking play in each game we’ve played,” Parkinson said.
“We’ve got to look at the balance of the side and the shape of the team. Do we need to address that slightly? Do we need to look at a different profile of players within the make-up of the current shape?
“They’re all things we’re looking at as a staff and analysing what we’ve been doing.
“A lot of the reasons we’ve been creating chances and scoring is because of the shape and the expansiveness of the wingbacks. But we’ve also got to make sure that, when we come under pressure, how we need to adapt as a team – it’s something we’ve been speaking about a lot.”
Swans settle in mid-table after middling start
Swansea showed character on Saturday after trailing 0-1 against Watford and coming back to draw 1-1 thanks to an 82th minute Zan Vipotnik equalizer.
Vipotnik’s late header saw the Swans fight back to draw with Watford after teenager Nestory Irankunda’s sparkling free-kick had looked set to end the Hornets’ long wait for an away win.
“I am proud of the lads,” said Swansea boss Sheehan.
“As a manager you want a team that keeps going until the final minute and the fans felt that. There was only one team that was going to win that game.
“When we spoke at half-time we knew we going to make changes and we wanted to put our stamp on the game. We were in the ascendancy in the second half and Watford struggled to match our tempo.”
County give up lead in home defeat
Despite an early opener from loan signing from Manchester United Habeeb Ogunneye, Newport fell to a 1-2 defeat against MK Dons, with both of the visitor’s goals coming via former Cardiff players Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Callum Paterson.
The turnaround was quick either side of halftime, with David Hughes’ side failing to see out the end of the first half.
At the other end the drama continued with Luke Offord penalised for a handball by Morland only for Bobby Kamwa to hit the post from the spot.
“I’d never criticise anyone for missing a penalty,” said Hughes.
“It takes real courage to step up and take it. It happens, so well done to Bobby for stepping up and taking it, unfortunately this time it didn’t go in.
“I’m sure it will in future.”
Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.
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Glamorgan qualify for One Day Cup after 10-wicket Worcestershire win
Rhodri Evans
Glamorgan booked their spot in the semi-finals of the One Day Cup after a dominant 10-wicket win over Worcestershire Rapids.
Rapids captain Clare Boycott’s 55 not out was the highlight of a bitterly disappointing Worcestershire innings, as they were all out for 116.
Hannah Hardwick added 20 runs, but Gemma Porter (3-24), Eve Jackson (3-27) and Priyanaz Chatterji (2-20) quickly worked their way through the Worcestershire batting order.
Glamorgan openers Lauren Parfitt and Abbey Freeborn made a fast start in reply, reaching 55-0 off the first 10 overs.
Their partnership surpassed the 100 mark in the 16th over, and Parfitt finished the match in style with her first six to seal victory.
Glamorgan, who were beaten semi-finalists in their T20 tournament, finish the group stage of the competition at home to Northamptonshire Steelbacks on Saturday, 30 August.
They will aim for a top-two finish to earn a home semi-final on Saturday, 6 September as they gear up to turn professional in 2027.
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Wales have it all to do against Canada after record Scotland defeat
Rhodri Evans
Following a record 38-8 defeat to Scotland in their Women’s Rugby World Cup opener, Wales have to beat world number two Canada in order to qualify from Pool B.
Despite facing a Scotland side embroiled in a similar contractual battle with their Union that the Wales team were last year, Sean Lynn’s side could not compete with the physicality and speed of their opponents.
“I’m very disappointed, I said to the players at the end of the game ‘that’s just not good enough’,” Lynn said.
“We can’t keep saying it, we have to start delivering.”
Wales’ knockout hopes now hinge on beating the world’s second best team when they take on Canada next week.
Canada thrashed group minnows Fiji 65-7 in their tournament opener, with six tries in 22 minutes for fullback Julia Schell.
“We just need to try and get something out of Canada,” Lynn added.
“There are some slip-ups in the World Cup, we’ve seen it in the men’s game.
“We can only concentrate going in to Canada next week and making sure that we do not have a performance like that.”
From the players’ point of view, the group are still hurting from the shock defeat to Scotland.
“Right now it’s pure disappointment and frustration,” said Wales hooker Kelsey Jones after the final whistle in Manchester.
“We’re absolutely gutted, but it’s a really good opportunity now to reflect.
“We’ve got nothing to lose, we need to step it up and go against Canada – and a great opportunity against Fiji as well. You never know what can happen, I’m optimistic.”
Wales return to Salford Community Stadium to take on Canada on Saturday and Jones sees it as an opportunity to redeem themselves.
“There are things that we’ve got to look forward to, we’re playing in a World Cup and what an occasion it is,” she said.
“You never know what can happen in rugby, it depends on who turns up on the day, so we’re really excited for the opportunity to go out there at least two more times.
“Canada is going to be a huge challenge, we know that they’re physical.
“We say ‘we’re going to be a hard team to beat’, unfortunately we didn’t prove that, so I think we have an opportunity to prove that we can be a hard team to beat.
“We’ll just throw it all at Canada and see what we can do.”
Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.
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The Abi Tierney interview: Regions would be ‘profitable very quickly’ and ‘investable propositions’ under radical Welsh rugby plans
Rhodri Evans
Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chief executive Abi Tierney has defended the organisation’s proposed restructuring of the professional game, insisting that sporting priorities came before financial considerations.
The WRU’s preferred outcome would see the number of professional regions reduced from four to two, with each equally funded.
Speaking after the WRU revealed plans for the biggest shake-up to Welsh rugby in two decades, Tierney said the aim was to build a sustainable high-performance system while ensuring financial viability.
Tierney said the modelling suggests the new regions would be profit-making “very quickly” under the plans, which would allow them to repay the significant debts built up during the Covid-19 pandemic, making them an “investable proposition”.
Speaking to Sportin Wales, Tierney admitted the sporting implications were the first priority over the financial benefits.
She said: “The first question was: what is going to create the most sustainable high-performance system? And then the second question is: what are the financial choices we can make in that.
“We don’t have an infinite amount of finances, so we’ve got to prioritise and make choices. Absolutely, at the forefront was the high performance.
“You could build the best high-performance system from a blank sheet of paper, [but you need to] bear in mind the financial wherewithal to do that [which] is also really critical.”
One of the key proposals put forward by Tierney involves a new funding model designed to relieve clubs of the heavy burden of rugby-related costs.
“Rugby costs are one of the biggest costs for the clubs, and actually one of the reasons why they struggle to be profitable.
“And therefore we believe that if we fund all of the rugby costs, then the clubs are there to invest in fan experience, commercial ticketing, merchandise, sponsorship. They can really put their entrepreneurial spirit, ideas, innovation into that. And that’s a really good mix,” she said.
Tierney pointed to international examples of similar structures, adding that consultation would determine the right balance for Wales.
“That’s what the New Zealand model is, to give one example, but there’s a whole spectrum there. And one of the things we want to do through the consultation is work out what’s the sweet spot along that for Welsh rugby.
“Because we’ve got benefactors and investors currently in the system that we really value. We want them to be part of the journey going forward. We want to hear from them about what their red lines are in that. This is a straw man for them to be able to talk to us about.”
Asked whether the eventual goal was for the new regional entities to become profit-making, Tierney was confident the model would deliver.
“Our modelling suggests that they would be profit-making very quickly if we adopted this model, and that would allow them to repay the significant debts that they had to build up during Covid.
“It will put them as real investable propositions. That would happen quickly, and we’re not looking to make money from this. We’re looking to invest in rugby so we get a high-performing national team, and we really want these to be successful clubs.”
Tierney also addressed her repeated use of the word “hope” in presenting the WRU’s vision, saying it was about offering reassurance that Welsh rugby has a clear path forward.
“I want to give people hope that there is a brighter future and that we’ve got a plan and we’ve got a way forward.
“We’ve got six weeks of consultation before we can formalise that plan. But when I read the deck and I take that step into the future, rather than thinking about all the difficult stuff that we’ve got to get through first, I get excited by it.
“That’s what I want the Welsh rugby fans and stakeholders to do as well. And so, it’s hoped that we’re going to be a thriving, winning, successful rugby nation again. But it’s underpinned by a really strong business case and a really strong high-performance system.”
The WRU is currently in a six-week consultation period on its proposals, which could lead to a significant restructuring of regional rugby in Wales, with financial and sporting sustainability at the core. The outcome of the consultation is expected to be revealed in October.
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Callender fit as Wales squad announced for World Cup opener
Rhodri Evans
Wales head coach Sean Lynn has confirmed his 23-player squad for Saturday’s opening Women’s Rugby World Cup clash against Scotland in Manchester, with co-captains Alex Callender and Kate Williams set to lead the side.
The match at Salford Community Stadium marks the start of Wales’ Pool B campaign, and Lynn has opted for a settled core while rewarding several standout performers from the summer build-up. Lisa Neumann, one of the squad’s most seasoned campaigners, will win her 50th cap at full-back, forming a potent back three alongside Jasmine Joyce-Butchers and rising star Nel Metcalfe. Joyce-Butchers’ pace and Metcalfe’s growing reputation as a clinical finisher promise Wales plenty of attacking spark out wide.
In midfield, Hannah Dallavalle and Courtney Keight link up as the centre pairing, offering a blend of defensive organisation and creativity. Scrum-half Keira Bevan and fly-half Lleucu George are tasked with directing play at half-back, a combination that Lynn believes will provide the composure and kicking accuracy needed in a high-stakes opener.
Up front, Gwenllian Pyrs, Kelsey Jones and Donna Rose form a powerful front row, with Alaw Pyrs and Gwen Crabb selected in the second row. Callender has recovered from the injury scare that threatened her availability and takes her place at number eight, joined in the back row by Williams and Bethan Lewis. The co-captains’ presence alongside Lewis is expected to give Wales the physical edge and leadership required against a Scottish pack that has grown in confidence over recent seasons.
Lynn has also turned to experience on the bench, with hooker Carys Phillips, appearing at her fourth World Cup, offering front-row cover alongside Maisie Davies and Sisilia Tuipulotu. Abbie Fleming and Georgia Evans provide lock and back-row reinforcement, while Seren Lockwood adds dynamism as a loose forward option. The backs are supported by Kayleigh Powell, who offers versatility across the back three, and Carys Cox, ready to slot into midfield if required.
Announcing the selection, Lynn said his squad represents “the strongest group available” and praised the players for the sharpness they have shown in training. “Alex Callender is raring to go, and all 23 players will have a role to play in delivering a performance against Scotland,” he added.
The fixture carries added weight as a Celtic derby and a potential early decider in Pool B. With Neumann reaching a milestone, Callender and Williams leading from the front, and younger talents like Metcalfe breaking through, Wales will take the field on Saturday with a squad designed to balance reliability with ambition.
Teams
Wales
Nel Metcalfe; Lisa Neumann, Hannah Dallavalle, Courtney Keight, Jasmine Joyce-Butchers; Lleucu George, Keira Bevan; Gwenllian Pyrs, Kelsey Jones, Donna Rose, Alaw Pyrs, Gwen Crabb, Kate Williams (co-capt), Bethan Lewis, Alex Callender (co-capt).
Replacements
Carys Phillips, Maisie Davies, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Abbie Fleming, Georgia Evans, Seren Lockwood, Kayleigh Powell, Carys Cox.
Scotland
Chloe Rollie; Rhona Lloyd, Emma Orr, Lisa Thomson, Francesca McGhie; Helen Nelson, Leia Brebner-Holden; Leah Bartlett, Lana Skeldon,Elliann Clarke, Emma Wassell, Sarah Bonar, Rachel Malcolm (capt), Rachel McLachlan, Evie Gallagher.
Replacements
Elis Martin, Molly Wright, Lisa Cockburn, Jade Konkel, Eva Donaldson, Alex Stewart, Caity Mattinson, Beth Blacklock.
Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.
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Player reaction as WRU proposal to cut two regions described as 'short sighted'
Rhodri Evans
In the aftermath of the Welsh Rugby Union’s (WRU) announcement that their preferred structure of professional rugby means potentially cutting two regions, a number of current players have had their say on the matter.
Joe Hawkins, who has recently returned to Welsh rugby after signing for Scarlets ahead of the upcoming season, has described the potential move as “very short sighted”.
The 23-year-old centre broke through as a teenager at Ospreys, making his first start for Wales just a few months after his 20th birthday. However, he never built on the 5 caps he earnt in 2022 and 2023, after signing for English Premiership side Exeter Chiefs.
The WRU’s 25-cap rule prevented him from playing for his country during his two season spell at the Chiefs. Hawkins initially left the Ospreys during the potential players strike of 2023, after almost 70 regional players were potentially out of contract – including Hawkins – with months to go until the end of the season.
Following the announcement yesterday that the WRU are considering a two-club model, which could potentially see all the regions dissolved, the Wales centre took to X to give his view as a player on the matter.
“[Sic] Think everyone agrees change is needed, but going down to 2 from 4 seem very short sighted,” Hawkins posted.
“It will definitely increase the squad quality and maybe success short term but probably at the cost of the little fans Welsh rugby has left walking away which will kill the game and even more player heading to England at a young age due to lack of playing opportunities.
“What happens then in 5 years when there’s no fans and all the best young players are over the bridge with no one coming through?”
He continued: “Also, as a player, if 2 new teams are made then who wants to play for a team with no history and no loyal and passionate supporters? All the best Welsh players will want that and find it outside of Wales.”
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When asked by a comment what his preferred solution would be, Hawkins said that three regions – options ‘B’ and ‘C’ in the proposal by the WRU – would be what he would do in the Union’s position.
“I think 3 regions with a structure underneath to produce quality Welsh players to supply the 3 teams over the long term is what we should be aiming for and I hope realistic given the circumstances,” he added.
“Would rather the process to success take longer. Obviously 4 well funded and successful regions is the dream but I think unrealistic at this point.”
Hawkins was not the only one to give his thoughts on the WRU plans. Harri Deaves, in a now-deleted Instagram story, reposted a BBC post reporting that the proposal to cut the number of teams from 4 to 2, saying, “Read the comments [thumbs up] ‘the death of Welsh rugby.'”
With the WRU set to spend all of September in consultation with the rest of Welsh rugby’s stakeholders, including fans, owners, investors, players, and sponsors, it is clear at least that there are some on the playing side who believe that the Union’s preferred option for the future of the game is not viable.
Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.
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WRU proposes cutting two regions in biggest shake up to the game for two decades
Rhodri Evans
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has today laid out its plans for seismic changes in the Welsh rugby landscape, with a number of proposals for a restructuring of the professional game on the table.
The WRU’s review, led by chief executive Abi Tierney, chair Richard Collier-Keywood, and Director of Rugby and Elite Performance Dave Reddin, has set out four alternative ‘models’ for consultation:
- Model A, Four Professional clubs with unequal funding
- Model B, Three Professional clubs with equal funding
- Model C, Three Professional clubs with unequal funding
- Model D, Two Professional clubs with equal funding
The WRU says that it sees the ‘optimal’ system being ‘Model D+,’ with two entirely new clubs, each one made up of a men’s team and a women’s team.
The men’s team would comprise of 50 players, with a playing budget of around £7.8 million with ‘predominately Welsh-qualified talent’ and ‘only the highest standard’ of non-Welsh-qualified players.
By comparison, the women’s side would have a squad of 40 players, with a squad budget benchmarked to ‘compete with clubs in England’s Professional Women’s Rugby (PWR) league, which the WRU says is the best current women’s league.
With speculation rife in recent weeks over which of the current regions would be ‘cut,’ it has now been revealed that the WRU is proposing that all four would cease to exist from 2027.
The official consultation process will begin on September 1st, running until the 29th of the same month before recommendations are sent to the WRU board in mid-October.
The final decision on the way forward for Welsh rugby will be announced at the end of October.
As well as the two-club model, the WRU’s optimal system includes a departure from the current Professional Rugby Agreements (PRA) to a ‘unified structure of management’ that the Union says will ‘eliminate friction and accelerate focus on rugby performance.’
There will also be a new approach to funding, with the Union funding all rugby operations, and private investors delivering ‘profitable club companies’ through commercial licences.
“This is a genuine consultation process and while we have our own ideas based on the research we have done, we know the best solutions come from listening,” said Dave Reddin in a statement.
“The approach we have designed is respectful, thorough, and inclusive and we encourage people to challenge our ideas and help us create something that we can all get behind.”
The strategy, proposed in a 90-page document titled ‘The Future of Elite Rugby in Wales’, according to the WRU, is necessary due to a number of ‘inefficiencies’ in the current Welsh rugby system.
The proposal says that the current four professional regions – Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys, and Scarlets – are not funded to a high enough level, and that male playing talent is spread too thinly over too many clubs.
It also claims that the gap between the semi-professional Super Rygbi Cymru and the regions is too wide and that the current structure does not deliver an ‘aligned’ approach.
Perhaps most damningly on the Union itself, is the admittance that all stakeholders in the Welsh rugby ecosystem have ‘collectively failed to collaborate’ on a solution.
One part of the proposal reads: “In small nation systems, the frictional elements of inefficient processes and decision-making between stakeholders are much more acutely felt, draining resources from all parties and distracting focus from performance.
“Recognition of this effect has led to the development of highly integrated models such as that in Ireland and to a lesser extent, New Zealand, which have been highly effective.”
Despite the Union’s desire to promote a ‘Wales-first’ system, it is clear that there is some borrowing of ideas from other nations. Scotland, for example, run two professional clubs – Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby – both of which have been successful in recent years, but there are concerns about the quantity of talent coming through the system.
The Ireland connection is murkier, as the IRFU works on a funding model that allocated unequal funding to each professional team, with Leinster receiving the most as it’s ‘central’ province.
As well as the on-pitch changes, the WRU have plans to build “world class” facilities as a “national campus.”
The campus would be home to both the men’s and women’s national teams and professional clubs, as well as the academies, talent pathways, and a “rugby performance innovation centre.”
Speaking as part of a press conference announcing the plans, Tierney said:
“What we want to do is create a future that fans are really proud of. There is the emotion of now but then then there is also the hope for the future.
“I hope that they feel hope for the future and that they will engage in what that looks like.”
The development of these seismic changes to Welsh rugby will be led by Dave Reddin who confirmed that all options are on the table and that no concrete decisions had been made as to the future of the regional game.
“I think that the consultation process is the right next step,” added Reddin.
“We have to have the people operating the clubs understanding the process. Owners and investors are invited to those meetings so that their views will be represented faithfully.
“We’re asking people to let go of the past and the present and imagine a completely different future, with the four regions involved in that process.”
What the rest of the stakeholders in Welsh rugby – the fans, players, regions, clubs, and commercial partners – think of these proposals, is yet to be determined.
What the WRU do face though is a difficult task is achieving the collaboration and alignment that they stress is so important to these next stages in the Welsh rugby journey.
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